Judges 9:30

30 And Zebul the ruler of the city heard the words of Gaal the son of Ebed, and his anger was kindled;

Judges 9:30 Meaning and Commentary

Judges 9:30

And when Zebul the ruler of the city
Whom Abimelech had placed there under him: heard

the words of Gaal the son of Ebed, his anger was kindled;
because he spoke slightly of him, and wished to have his place; perhaps before Zebul was inclined to be on the side of the Shechemites against Abimelech, or at least dissembled that he was; but now, being incensed at the words of Gaal, determined to take the side of Abimelech, and let him know how things were carrying on against him.

Judges 9:30 In-Context

28 And Gaal the son of Ebed said, Who is Abimelech, and who is Shechem, that we should serve him? is he not the son of Jerubbaal? and Zebul his overseer? Serve the men of Hamor the father of Shechem! and why should *we* serve him?

29 Oh! would that this people were under my hand! then would I remove Abimelech. And he said to Abimelech, Increase thine army, and come out.

30 And Zebul the ruler of the city heard the words of Gaal the son of Ebed, and his anger was kindled;

31 and he sent messengers to Abimelech craftily, saying, Behold, Gaal the son of Ebed and his brethren are come to Shechem, and behold, they shut up the city against thee;

32 and now, rise up by night, thou and the people that are with thee, and lie in ambush in the fields.